In a season defined by constant lineup adjustments, the Golden State Warriors unveiled their 16th different starting combination of the year against the Oklahoma City Thunder. With superstar Stephen Curry sidelined, head coach Steve Kerr turned to rookie guard Brandin Podziemski to fill the void in the backcourt. Podziemski, known for his hustle and playmaking, was tasked with helping steer the offense in Curry’s absence, a significant opportunity for the first-year player.
The frontcourt also saw a notable change, as Will Richard returned to the starting lineup. Richard’s insertion provided additional size and defensive versatility against a young, athletic Thunder squad. The most impactful performance of the night, however, came from another rookie, Gui Santos. Santos delivered a strong line in the win, contributing valuable minutes off the bench with energy, rebounding, and timely scoring. His emergence as a reliable rotational piece is a welcome development for a Warriors team searching for consistency beyond its core veterans.
This constant tinkering with the starting lineup underscores the Warriors’ ongoing struggle to find a stable identity and rhythm this season. While injuries to key players like Curry force Kerr’s hand, the experimentation also reflects a desire to evaluate different combinations and spark the team during a critical stretch of the regular season. Every game carries heightened importance as Golden State battles to secure a favorable playoff position in the highly competitive Western Conference.
The victory over the Thunder, fueled by contributions from young players like Brandin Podziemski and Gui Santos, offers a potential blueprint. It demonstrates that while the Warriors rely on their championship pedigree, they may also need their depth and youthful energy to navigate the challenges of a long season. As the playoffs approach, finding a reliable rotation—whether it includes mainstays or surprises like Santos—will be paramount for Golden State’s aspirations of making another deep postseason run.